Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

Bourbon or rye whiskey: This is the main spirit in the cocktail, giving it warmth and depth. Bourbon is sweeter, while rye is spicier.

Sugar cube: Used to add a touch of sweetness and balance the strong flavors.

Angostura bitters: A concentrated mix of herbs and spices that adds complexity to the drink.

Orange peel: Adds a fresh citrus aroma and a little brightness to the cocktail.

One of the most important steps in making an Old Fashioned Cocktail is muddling the sugar cube with the bitters and a little water. This might sound fancy, but it’s really just about gently crushing the sugar so it dissolves and mixes well with the other flavors. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Place the sugar cube right in the bottom of your old fashioned glass.
2. Add the two dashes of angostura bitters and just a splash of water—just enough to help the sugar break down.
3. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to press down on the sugar cube. Don’t smash it too hard; just press and twist gently until the sugar looks like it’s mostly dissolved.

Doing this step carefully makes the drink taste smoother because the sugar isn’t just sitting at the bottom—it’s mixed evenly with the bitters. That way, every sip has a nice balance of sweetness and spice, instead of a sudden burst of sugar.

When I first tried muddling, I pressed too hard and ended up with bits of sugar stuck to the glass, which made the drink gritty. Now, I take my time and press gently, and it makes a big difference. Also, I like to add just a tiny splash of water because it helps the sugar dissolve faster without watering down the cocktail too much.

So, muddling isn’t about crushing the sugar into powder; it’s about softening it enough to blend with the bitters and water. Once you get this right, the rest of the steps—adding ice, pouring the bourbon or rye, and stirring—feel like a breeze. Plus, your Old Fashioned will taste just like it’s supposed to: smooth, balanced, and delicious.

• bourbon - Substitute with brandy: Brandy provides a similar depth and warmth, making it a good alternative for bourbon in an Old Fashioned.

• rye whiskey - Substitute with scotch: Scotch can offer a smoky and complex flavor profile that complements the other ingredients in the cocktail.

• sugar cube - Substitute with simple syrup: Simple syrup dissolves more easily and evenly, ensuring a consistent sweetness throughout the drink.

• angostura bitters - Substitute with orange bitters: Orange bitters add a citrusy note that can enhance the flavor of the cocktail while still providing the necessary bitterness.

• orange peel - Substitute with lemon peel: Lemon peel offers a bright, zesty aroma and flavor that can effectively replace the orange peel in an Old Fashioned.

• Begin by preparing the Old Fashioned cocktail as per the recipe instructions.
• If you plan to store the cocktail for later use, pour the prepared mixture (excluding the ice and garnish) into a clean, airtight container.
• Seal the container tightly to prevent any air from entering, which can affect the flavor and quality of the whiskey.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the cocktail within a few days. The cold temperature will help maintain its freshness.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the cocktail. Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion.
• Before sealing the container, cover the surface of the liquid with a piece of plastic wrap to minimize exposure to air.
• Label the container with the date of preparation to keep track of its freshness.
• When ready to serve, thaw the cocktail in the refrigerator until it reaches the desired temperature.
• Once thawed, pour the cocktail into an old fashioned glass, add fresh ice cubes, and garnish with a twist of orange peel.
• Enjoy your perfectly preserved Old Fashioned cocktail with the same rich flavors as when it was first made.

• Pour the Old Fashioned cocktail into a heat-resistant glass or mug.
• Place the glass in a bowl of warm water for a gentle reheating method. This will slowly bring the cocktail to a more enjoyable temperature without altering its flavor.
• Alternatively, you can use a microwave-safe container. Heat the Old Fashioned cocktail in the microwave on low power for 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can affect the taste and aroma.
• If you prefer a more controlled method, use a double boiler. Place the cocktail in the top part of the double boiler and gently heat over simmering water, stirring occasionally until it reaches the desired temperature.
• For a quick fix, you can also use a sous-vide machine. Seal the Old Fashioned cocktail in a vacuum bag and immerse it in a water bath set to a low temperature (around 120°F or 49°C) for a few minutes.
• Once reheated, give the cocktail a gentle stir to ensure even temperature distribution. If needed, add a fresh orange peel twist for an aromatic touch.

• Old fashioned glass: A short, sturdy glass traditionally used for serving the old fashioned cocktail.

• Muddler: A tool used to crush the sugar cube and mix it with the bitters and water.

• Bar spoon: A long-handled spoon used for stirring the cocktail gently.

• Jigger: A measuring tool used to accurately measure the whiskey.

• Peeler: A tool used to create the twist of orange peel for garnish.

• Ice cube tray: Used to make ice cubes that will chill the cocktail.

• Cocktail napkin: Optional, but useful for serving the drink with a touch of elegance.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out the whiskey, bitters, and sugar ahead of time to streamline the process.

Use simple syrup: Replace the sugar cube with simple syrup to skip the muddling step.

Batch cocktails: Mix a larger quantity of the cocktail in advance and store it in the fridge for easy serving.

Pre-cut garnishes: Prepare the orange peel twists ahead of time and store them in an airtight container.

Chill glasses: Keep your old fashioned glasses in the freezer so they are ready to use and keep the drink cold longer.